May 3, 2018

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Panera Bread Celebrates Opening on Berwyn’s Cermak Road

Panera Bread champions the belief that “food you can feel good about can bring out the best in all of us.” The bakery-café is known nationwide for their bakery items, specialty drinks, soups, salads, sandwiches and more. A ribbon cutting was held in conjunction with the City of Berwyn and the Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) on April 25.

For over 35 years, Panera Bread has been crafting delicious and fresh food in a warm, welcoming environment. Founded by Ron Shaich in the 1980s, the company planted its roots in Missouri and opened their first location in Kirkwood, MO. Since then, Panera has opened more than 2,000 bakery-cafes in the U.S. and Canada and provided jobs to nearly 100,000 associates.

Panera’s menu runs full circle, covering everything from main courses to desserts. Their wide ranging bagel options are a hit during breakfast time, as well as menu items like Baked Egg Soufflés, Steel Cut Oatmeal Bowls and Breakfast Sandwiches. Customers can enjoy soups like Baked Potato, Broccoli Cheddar and Black Bean or dig into sandwiches like the Roasted Turkey and Avocado BLT and Chipotle Chicken Avocado Melt. If everything sounds too good to choose just one, customers can also partake in Panera’s You-Pick-Two menu. The new location features drive-thru and pick-up options for those on the go. The best part: all of Panera’s food is 100% clean, meaning there are no artificial preservatives, sweeteners, flavors or colors from artificial sources.

Panera Bread is the first opening in Berwyn Gateway Plaza (BGP) Phase III. The project is a complete renovation of the commercial block on the north side of Cermak Road between Wisconsin Ave and Wenonah Ave. BGP Phase III follows the success of Phases I and II, which saw openings from Buffalo Wild Wings, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Verizon Wireless, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Vitamin Shoppe, Starbucks, Blaze Fast Fire’d Pizza, Fifth Third Bank, Sprint Connect LLC, Mattress Firm and City Barbeque. Combined, Phases I and II created a 38,267 sf of new retail opportunities, and the completion of Phase III will create an additional 9,650 sf. The final openings will be Comcast Xfinity’s new concept store and a third retail space that is currently marketed for lease.

“We are so happy to be a part of the Berwyn community! Thank you for all of your support and enthusiasm for Panera Bread,” said Area Operating Partner Annie Jimenez.

“The BDC is incredibly excited to have Panera Bread open their newest location in Berwyn. We’re looking forward to offering another delicious dining option at this high impact intersection,” said BDC Vice President Anthony Belcaster.

“Panera is a welcome addition to Cermak Road and the City of Berwyn. Their presence will be a major factor in the continued success of this new development.” said Mayor Robert J. Lovero.